Category Archives: Local News
Help available for residents impacted by storms
WASHINGTON — Local residents who were affected by the strong storms that blew through the 
area on April 12-13 have the opportunity to apply for federal disaster relief funds.
President Donald Trump recently issued a disaster declaration for several counties in South Carolina, including Pickens County, in the wake of the storms that spawned deadly tornadoes across the state. Also included in the declaration were Aiken, Colleton, Hampton, Marlboro, Oconee and Orangeburg counties.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is offering help for local residents who suffered losses in the storm. To apply for FEMA help, visit
High school graduation dates set
PICKENS — The School District of Pickens County announced Thursday that graduation 
ceremonies for its four high schools will take place at 8:30 a.m. May 29 at each school’s football stadium.
In the event of rain, ceremonies may be moved to 8:30 a.m. May 30.
To allow for social distancing procedures to be followed at the ceremonies, each senior will receive a limit of two free tickets for family members to attend. All ceremonies will be live-streamed so that those who cannot attend can watch.
Parking, safety, ticket distribution and other details for graduation will be communicated by each high school.
County up to more than 70 virus cases
COLUMBIA — After a weekend that saw 10 new confirmed COVID-19 cases in the county reported over a three-day period, Pickens County was up to 73 confirmed positive cases of the virus according 
to the latest figures released by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control on Monday.
No new cases were reported on Monday in the county, but there were five new cases Sunday and four Saturday to go with one announced on Friday.
As of Monday afternoon, 7,792 confirmed positive tests for the virus were reported statewide, with 346 deaths. One person died in
New election director hired
By Bru Nimmons
Staff Reporter
bnimmons@thepccourier.com
PICKENS — Following a tumultuous couple of months, the Pickens County Board of Voter Registration and Elections has hired a new executive director heading into June’s primaries.
Travis Alexander, who has been a Greenville county poll worker and elections official for nearly 12 years, was selected by the board to replace former director Rodney Allen.
“We are excited to have Travis join the county in this leadership role,” board chairman Jim Liddle said. “I look forward to him moving us through this busy election year with confidence. His
County’s state of emergency declaration expires
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
PICKENS — The county is no longer in a state of emergency as the COVID-19 pandemic continues and officials work through the Kickstart Pickens County process.
When county council met on May 4, the emergency declaration was set to expire at midnight that evening. The declaration gave acting county administrator Ken Roper flexibility to make decisions
Improvements continuing at Hagood Mill Historic Site
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
PICKENS — Hagood Mill Historic Site is weathering the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to the damage caused by weather.
Hagood Mill Foundation chairman Robert Sams gave county council an update on the mill during its May 4 meeting.
“I think you’ll be pleased with what they’re presenting us tonight,” Councilman Wes Hendricks said. “It looks good.”
Last July, a new agreement went into effect for the operations of the Hagood Mill. The county
You Drive Me Glazy named Main Street Challenge winner
PICKENS — Pickens Revitalization Association has announced the winner of the Main Street Challenge, an entrepreneurial startup competition for the purpose of generating additional retail 
occupancy in Pickens.
PRA chose to award one cash incentive in the amount of $10,000 for startup businesses or new concepts, which must then open a new location or introduce their new concept in Pickens. The money offered to the winner will take the form of a potentially forgivable loan, determined by the business’ ability to meet all requirements of the program.
“Pickens Revitalization Association is pleased to announce You Drive Me Glazy Gourmet Donuts as the winner of the 2019-20 Main Street Challenge.,” PRA president Megan Thomas said. “We are excited about the new outdoor dining and entertainment area that You Drive Me Glazy has developed and just know it will bring a great addition to our town. We can’t wait to visit!”
You Drive Me Glazy submitted its application with plans to expand the rear of the building, increasing accessibility with a dog/bike-friendly outdoor donut dining experience.
Business concepts eligible for the competition included new startup businesses, franchises, an expansion or relocation of an existing location from another community, and a significant expansion of an existing local business that would branch into an additional business concept.
For more information on the 2019-20 Main Street Challenge guidelines, visit historicpickens.com.
LCS scholars named
The Liberty Community Scholarship was established in 2015 and is awarded annually to a Liberty High School senior in recognition of a commitment to excellence. The LCS 2020 award recipients are Jaida Smith and Alexis Holliday. Smith will attend Anderson University in the fall, pursuing a degree in early childhood education, while Holliday will attend Clemson University in the fall, where she will pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. Each recipient will be awarded $1,000 to support her educational goals. The Liberty Community Scholarship is funded by the Liberty Ladies League, Liberty Lions Club and local businesses, including Easley Walmart, Strickland Services, Quality Floors, Solid Grounds Coffee Shop and Fiesta Grille. The Liberty Community Scholarship Board members are chair Lisa Carpenter, Mel Avery, Lynn Baker, Shirley Bowman, Martha Nalley, Tracy Morgan and Karin Shore
Southern Wesleyan offers digital
CENTRAL — Unemployment rates have spiked in response to COVID-19 related business 
shutdowns, leaving many faced with a return to job hunting.
For those who have lost jobs after many years of employment, the new job landscape may seem like
